Northern Lights in Ireland: When the Impossible Becomes a Reality

Northern lights or aurora borealis is one of the most impressive natural phenomena in beauty and scale. However, according to scientists, you can only observe it in all its glory in countries that are located beyond the Arctic Circle. But believe it or not, you no longer need to travel to Finland, Sweden, Iceland, or Norway. We will tell you how you can see the Northern lights in Ireland.

What are the auroras and where to see them?

Aurora borealis arise from the interaction of the Earth’s magnetosphere with charged particles from the solar wind. These particles are accelerated by the Earth’s magnetic field and are directed toward the North Pole, where they collide with molecules and atoms of atmospheric gases in the upper atmosphere, causing them to luminesce. The same thing happens at the South Pole where we see Southern lights. We talked about the nature of Northern and Southern lights in more detail in our articles What is Aurora and Aurora Australis. Be sure to read them if you haven’t already.

Because solar wind particles rush toward the poles, auroras are observed primarily in auroral ovals, which are about 3000 km in diameter and start at high latitudes of 67–70°. That is why, to observe aurora borealis, we need to be in countries that lie within the Arctic Circle (from 66°33′44″ (66.5622°) north latitude and above). In Europe, these are Finland, Sweden (Lapland), Iceland, Greenland, and the Shetland Islands in Scotland.

Can the Northern Lights Be Seen in Ireland?

Yes, but under certain conditions. In particular, geomagnetic activity should be very high and light pollution minimal. High geomagnetic activity is observed during the so-called periods of solar maximum when solar flares and coronal mass ejections are especially strong. This happens approximately once every 11-13 years and now is such a time.

During periods of solar maximum, the auroral oval expands to 55 degrees and even lower, and residents or guests of countries located at these latitudes can witness auroras. Ireland is located at approximately 51°25′ — 55°23′ north latitude, so in 2024 you have a chance to see the Northern Lights in Ireland.

What Month Can You See the Northern Lights in Ireland?

If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to observe the phenomenon for almost six months, from October to April. But what’s the best time of year to see the Northern Lights in Ireland? These are the winter months when the skies are darkest but clearest and the nights are longest. But keep in mind that you will have to get ready and stay patient.

If you’re travelling to Ireland, your stay here should not be short. Two or three days may simply not be enough for you to witness this spectacle. Use the aurora borealis forecast for Ireland, choose a suitable viewing location, wait for clear weather, and get ready to stay up from at least midnight to 2am.

Best places to see the Aurora Borealis in Ireland

Currently, there are 32 counties on the island of Ireland, 26 of which are in the Republic of Ireland, and 6 are in Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK. Don’t forget this when travelling in search of the best places where to see Northern Lights in Ireland. As you can see from the map above, Counties Donegal, Antrim, Sligo, and Mayo are key locations, but lights have also been seen in other areas.

Donegal

County Donegal is the first place you should visit to see Ireland aurora borealis. Choose from the Fanad, Inishowen, and Rosguill peninsulas. You’ll further increase your chances of seeing the Donegal Northern Lights if you go to Malin Head, the northernmost point of Inishowen, where a scene from Star Wars: The Last Jedi was filmed. Besides, the location has many other attractions, such as Banba’s Crown tower, Hell’s Hole chasm, etc.

Sligo 

In Sligo, head to Mullaghmore, a small seaside town on the north-west coast. It’s located just half an hour north of Sligo Town and close to Cliffony, making it an ideal day trip destination. In addition to the aurora, you will find other attractions such as Classiebawn Castle and some of the biggest waves on the planet, an ideal place for surfers.

Mayo

In Mayo, your first stop should be Achill Island, especially Minaun Heights, with its lush hills and stunning views of the sunset and the Northern Lights over Ireland.

Antrim (North Ireland)

Any point on the northern coast, far from cities and villages, is ideal for solitude and observing the phenomenon. But if you want to find truly iconic places full of sights and stunning beauty, look for Dunluce Castle, Giant’s Causeway, and Whiterocks Beach.

Northern Lights in Dublin

In Dublin, aurora is an extremely rare sight, mainly due to severe light pollution. But if you leave the city for the secluded parts of the county, you will have a chance.

The lights were last seen in Dublin in early 2023 when travellers on board flights from Dublin to the UK posted photos of the flaming sky over the capital.

Will Aurora Be Visible in Ireland Tonight?

2024 is the year of solar maximum, which means you have a high chance of seeing Northern Lights in Ireland, even though the country is located 15 degrees south of the Arctic Circle. Use the Northern Lights Ireland tonight tracker app for IOS, the Aurora Alerts Ireland page on X.com or the official auroraforecast website and get ready for a magnificent light show from heaven.

References And Additional Information:

• What are the Northern Lights? And how can you see them? https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-26381685
• Northern Lights in Donegal https://www.govisitdonegal.com/explore-donegal/northern-lights
• Aurora https://irishastro.org/aurora-current-conditions/
• Best days to catch Northern Lights across Irish skies as Aurora Borealis activity ‘high’ again https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/local-news/best-days-catch-northern-lights-29196158
• Dublin photographer takes spectacular photo of Northern Lights in Balbriggan https://www.independent.ie/regionals/dublin/dublin-news/dublin-photographer-takes-spectacular-photo-of-northern-lights-in-balbriggan/a1709116422.html